Contact Zones of Education

In 1885, Bishop John Ireland turned his dream into a reality when he founded Saint Thomas Academy. The mission of the all-male, college preparatory institution read as follows: â€Å"to help young men build a solid foundation of responsible leadership within themselves, the Academy, the Catholic Church, and the community† (Ireland). His vision has turned into one of the oldest high schools in the state of Minnesota. This idea has both of Pratt’s elements heterogeneous and homogeneous folded into one simple Academy.Having the opportunity to be educated in this somewhat unconventional style, I was introduced to a community and contact zone through my many different experiences throughout my career there. One of the most obvious attempts to create a homogeneous atmosphere associated with Saint Thomas Academy (STA), is the all male aspect forced onto the students. This style of education provides individuals with the ability to be themselves without the pressure of impressi ng a female or the self-consciousness many teenage males experience throughout their education.In other words, the all-male experience created, what Pratt refers to as a â€Å"safe house† or more specifically a â€Å"social and intellectual space(s) where groups can constitute themselves as horizontal, homogeneous, sovereign communities with high degrees of trust, shared understandings, temporary protection from legacies of oppression† (511). The level of trust created here is unrivaled compared to anything else I have ever experienced. The community acted as a family rather than a student body. This idea became more evident in smaller communities such as the athletic and extra circular activities.These teams were often very successful because of this unique bond created. The idea of an all-male student body did not always favor an ‘imagined community’- the term Benedict Anderson uses to describe the existence of safe houses within the academy. He expands this idea by saying â€Å"Languages were seen as living in ‘speech communities,’ and these tended to be theorized as discrete, self-defined, coherent entities, held together by homogenous competence or grammar shared identically and equally among all members† (Pratt, 507).As one might expect, students of STA carried themselves in a very different manner at school than they did on the weekends when they were interacting with females. They would change the way they dressed, talked, and even the way they would act. Similarly, students adapted to the all male environment in a similar fashion. The first couple of weeks of school for new students at STA set the foundation of the atmosphere the all-male aspect created for them to form a fraternal bond with one another. This was usually the first experience students ever encountered in their education, resulting in more of a ‘contact zone’ initially.Any new student undergoes a certain level of anxiety and se lf-doubt, but adding a completely new element, such as a same-sex community, elevates ones anxiety. Since this is one of the only high schools in the more broad community such as the city or even state in this case, the students of STA were often open for criticism by the more ‘traditional’ co-ed schools. Students were forced to learn how to block out distraction at an early age which is a benefit of this contact zone. Pratt addresses a similar benefit of contact zones in the classroom as: â€Å"the most exciting teaching we had ever done, and also the hardest.We were struck, for example, at how anomalous the formal lecture became in a contact zone† (Pratt, 510). This experience and my experience as a student at a school that was more vulnerable to criticism parallel wachother in many ways. Indeed it was difficult dealing with more distractions in high school than most students do, yet it taught be valuable lessons that I can use today. We were typically put into a completely different category than students of surrounding schools, and for that we learned to conduct ourselves in the appropriate manner. I experience this same stereotype being a member of a fraternity here on campus.We often get judged and have a negative label put on us also. I have been able to use the skills I was taught in high school to portray myself, as well as all members of our fraternity in the most positive way possible- just as we were forced to do at STA. Finally, the comfort gained from the lack of female pressure is lost upon graduation- turning this imagined community into a very dangerous contact zone. Since STA is a college preparatory academy, it is expected that students continue their education at a further level. Pratt speaks of this idea in her lecture also.She says â€Å"along with the rage, incomprehension, and pain, there were exhilarating moments of wonder and revelation, mutual understanding, and new wisdom- the joys of the contact zone† (Pr att, 511). I would say this is exactly how I would describe my experience when I began college. I was put back into a co-ed atmosphere, and forced to adapt to the expectations of a new, unfamiliar, community. Through the early months here I underwent many different incidents where I had similar feelings of Pratt’s students in the classroom- yet another comparable benefit of the ‘contact zone’ I share with Pratt.Another portion of STA’s mission includes teaching students catholic values as well as providing him with â€Å"military style† leadership skills. In some ways this reflects an imagined community in the sense that all students are taught catholic values. This provides a uniform foundation for them to develop into a successful individual. It also brings a sense of spirituality to this community- which is another element that cultivates the growth and cohesiveness between each student. Not only do students understand similar religious beliefs, they are put through a method of leadership training which includes a major military element.It parallels military training by holding all individuals to an appearance standard and teaches students effective communication skills. This sense of belonging and higher level of expectation describes an imagined community as students face challenges together and can learn from each other. This can simultaneously create a contact zone too or as Pratt might call ‘transculturation’. For instance, the students who believe in a religion other than Catholicism feel excluded and this can create a feeling of disconnect between members.At the same time these students could use this experience to learn how to express differences and effectively convey their ideas and belief’s. Students who are more timid and do not excel in leadership can often feel like they are missing out on something a majority of their classmates experience. Both examples make for great classroom discussion and for students on either end of the spectrum to perceive a situation from a new point of view. Pratt says this is necessary for continued development too.She says this while speaking of Poma’s text: â€Å"Such a text is heterogeneous on the reception end as well as the production end: it will read very differently to people in different positions in the contact zone† (506). She is supporting the underlying benefits of individuals or communities disagreeing with one another, which is the ultimate goal of a contact zone. Finally, the social groups that exist in STA prove to create an unexpected contact zone. Since it is such a unique school, many students from different backgrounds chose to attend.Because of the variety of students STA attracts, it is impossible to avoid different social groups that exist within the homogeneous community. These social groups cause a disconnect between students and at times can have a very negative impact on the student body. These imp acts can lead to a variety of actions that do not reflect the values STA hopes to instill on its students and can impact the school in a very negative way. Pratt supports the idea of a contact zone in education, but not to the extent of creating extreme conflict between students.In a way it is necessary of the imagined community to exist. For STA this means that the entire student body be held to the same standard and expectations. When too much one two groups inside this community clash too much, it creates a contact zone that has no positive impact. She describes this in her lecture by saying: â€Å"Despite whatever conflicts or systematic social differences might be in play, it is assumed that all participants are engaged in the same game and that the game is the same for all players† (Pratt, 508).Her message here is similar to what STA intends to instill on its students, that is, when conflict occurs in the right environment- it can be positive and provide opportunity for growth. Through my experience at this unconventional school, I have encountered contact zones existing in or with an imagined community. When practiced in a specific manner, these two ideas have the ability to coexist and positively impact a situation. When a contact zone becomes unmanageable, the result is mostly negative and can hinder the growth of a group of people or an individual.

The assigned reading is based on a review of Latin America

The assigned reading is based on a review of Latin America’s Banking system and how it has been able to grow over the period of time due to policies which have radically changed the competitive landscape for the banks in the region.The writer has argued that the due to decrease in interest rates, increased maturities of long term liabilities as well as prudent fiscal and monetary policies, the banking system of Latin America has greatly benefited and is contributing to the overall growth of the Region.The article cites the example of Chile as a model for change in the region through adopting more robust and flexible economic policies. The article also discusses some of the implications for the local banks in the region also as more and more international banks are making entry into the market. This phenomenon is not only making competition tougher but also forcing local banks to be the target of the forced takeovers.Three Questions What the article however failed to account fo r is the fact the Brazil is the most progressing country in the region however; its banking sector is still under the Government control and is largely protected[1] and have shown considerable growth therefore the assumptions of the writer that the Latin America’s banking sector has shown growth because of less government intervention may not be acceptable? (South American Business Information , 2001).Further, the strategic choices offered to the local banks can only be achieved in long term therefore insulate themselves in short run, such local banks may need government protection to further allow them to grow in size therefore the strategic objectives offered by the writer may not be wholly practical? The article has further discussed the possibility of cross-border transfer of best practices due to similarities in culture however it failed to ignore the political and regulatory landscape of the region?Bibliography 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   South American Business Information . (2001). Brazil: Banking sector has good performance. Retrieved Feb 18, 2009, from www.allbusiness.com: http://www.allbusiness.com/banking-finance/banking-finance-overview/9709591-1.html[1] Brazil’s banking sector has witnessed consolidation which was largely local in nature as local banks merged with each other.

Essay on Doomed Relationships in the Bread Givers by...

Doomed Relationships in the Bread Givers The Bread Givers, written by Anzia Yezierska, revolves around a starving lower east side family whose daughter rebels against her fathers’ strict conception of the role of a Jewish woman. The major theme of this novel is doomed relationships. There are several of these that are thoroughly analyzed in the novel. These include the relationship between Rabbi Smolinksy and the females in his family as well as those in his society, between him and his son-in-laws, between the Smolinsky daughters and their husbands, between the Smolinsky daughters and their heritage, between Rabbi Smolinksy and his heritage, and lastly, between the old and the new. The following will concentrate on three of latter†¦show more content†¦Of the doomed relationship between the females and Rabbi Smolinksy, there is one female that stands out. This is the rocky relationship between Rabbi Smolinsky and his youngest daughter Sara. Sara, from a young age, was independent. This independence w as illustrated at the time when her family was destitute and starving. On her own initiative, Sara ran out into the street to sell herring in order to bring a couple of dollars home to her family. There is a conflict in Saras’ independence. On one hand, her independence is useful in that it allowed her to assist with the family finances. On the other hand, Rabbi Smolinsky is opposed to her independence because of the fear that she will leave the house, as well as the family values, all together. Rabbi Smolinsky needs Sara at home indefinitely, or at least to marry into a wealthy family, who will then support him. This is not Saras ambition. Due to their clash in values, Sara reaches her breaking point and runs off to become the independent soul she is. â€Å"My will is as strong as yours,† she replies. â€Å"Nobody can stop me. I’m not from the old country. I’m American!† Sara then rediscovers her independence through education, employme nt, and love. The last doomed relationship in the novel, is the relationship between Rabbi Smolinsky’s daughters and their husbands. Relationships require a stable foundation in which to grow. If that foundation is weak at

My Career As A Pediatrician - 900 Words

Sunday, March 13 was a day I will never forget nor never just get over. Waking up around 6 in the morning for work I felt fine, for most this is normal but for me in this time in my life it was not. I awoke energized, stress free, and not nauseous for the first time in a week or more. This was strange because I was around 6 weeks pregnant. For normal adults my age they may be working on achieving their goals in life, spending their lives as a constant party, or just trying to make it by. Being pregnant could be an extremely scary situation to be in. For me, I went through a short wave of being scared which quickly changed to excitement. As most could tell from my major, biomedical science wanting to peruse a career as a pediatrician, I either love children as well as the medical field or I just really love college. I can honestly say, I’m not a fan of college. A miscarriage, which is the sudden death of the fetus, is extremely common and happens to an estimated 12-15% of clinically recognized pregnancies and up to 50% of pregnancies as a whole according to Geller. Not all women go through the same feeling but according to Evans, the emotional effect of miscarriage is often extremely distressing, and may include depression and feelings of guilt for women. But what causes mothers who have miscarriages to have such a difficult time healing? Most mothers who have had a miscarriage are going through a difficult time as well as myself. Some of the major factors I have foundShow MoreRelatedThe Career Of A Pediatrician1741 Words   |  7 Pagesbut the most interesting is the career of a Pediatrician. Pediatricians are the primary health care providers for infants and children . Other titles associated with this job includes, â€Å"Baby Doctor†, â€Å"Physician†, or â€Å"Pediatric†. Their main job is to treat children with illnesses, monitor their growth and health, and help prevent illnesses and diseases (General pediatrician).Additionally, pediatricians also have other job duties as well. This is an interesting career because there are other work opportunitiesRead MoreStatement of Purpose to Become a Pediatrician Essay976 Words   |  4 Pagesrest of my life, it would definitely be a pediatrician. Pediatricians are smart, hardworking, gentle hearted and amazing people. Although becoming a pediatrici an is a very long road, it is very rewarding. High pay and lovable working environment are the best rewards. Being a pediatrician has so many advantages and benefits, but it also has disadvantages and overwhelming requirements. Overall, there are many things that need to be considered before making the decision of becoming a pediatrician suchRead MorePediatrician Job Description and Salary1636 Words   |  7 PagesA Pediatrician is a child’s physician, dealing with the physical, mental, and emotional well being of the child. You undoubtedly have to have a strong love for children and have patience to be a Pediatrician. If you don’t like children then it is apparent being a Pediatrician is not the job for you. I have dreamed of being a Pediatrician since I was 7 years old, ever since I was rushed to the emergency room for an accident I had. I remember how the doctor interacted with me; he introduced himselfRead MoreThe Career Path Of A Pediatrician1074 Words   |  5 PagesThe career that I chose is Pediatrician, which it primarily deals with the physical, emotional, and social health of children from birth to young adulthood. This paper will explain the history, requirements, outlook, and the career path of a pediatrician. History and Background of the Career By the late 1700s and early 1800s, the need to assist specifically to the care, growth, and diseases of children became more frequent, and specialization in pediatrics evolved, particularly in Germany and FranceRead MoreThe Most Important Job in the US: Pediatrician1150 Words   |  5 PagesA Pediatrician is one of the most important jobs in the United States. In order to become a pediatrician, many years of college are required. Many people who’ve became pediatricians have had experiences through programs and internships. Salaries for a pediatrician vary from how long a persons been working, to the size of the hospital. Another thing is job hours, a pediatrician works an average of about 60 hours a week, however they could be called in on weekends. In all honesty, there is alwaysRead MoreBecoming a Pediatrician1195 Words   |  5 PagesMy career choice is to become a pediatrician. The question is: what makes this job so interesting or fantastic enough to be chosen? This job requires many sacrifices, skills, and strengths to endeavor the obstacles on the way to the goal. This particular job is also a very honorable and noble job in the sense of helping children with their illnesses and ailments. Personally, I love children and I’m always fascinated by their actions and interesting techniques of expressing themselves. Since I amRead MoreBecoming A Doctor Is Not An Easy Process For Majority Of The Population1351 Words   |  6 Pagesprocess for majority of the population; for others it’s natural. The career I find interesting and may pursue is a Pediatrics doctor. Pediatricians are doctors who specialize in children, ranging from new born babies to eighteen years old. Individuals interested in this field will need a sense of mentality and dedication to work hard. Becoming a doctor is not an easy process; it takes time, motivation, and interest for this type of career. Once an individual is half way through the schooling process ofRead More Becoming A Doctor For The Medical Field1639 Words   |  7 PagesEver since I was six years old, I already knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field. Although I excel more in Mathematics, I always find the field of Science, specifically Biology and Anatomy and Physiology, extremely interesting and informing. Perhaps, it is due to the idea that these subjects require a huge amount of memorizing, which I personally enjoy doing. Also, I appreciate its challenging nature, and the fact that the information it has keeps changing and improving everytimeRead MoreMy Experience Of Becoming A Pediatrician1287 Words   |  6 PagesPediatricians have the next generation in their hands, and they have for scarcely 200 years. In this paper I hope to share my experience in becoming a pediatrician. Pediatricians job is to treat and diagnose children s illnesses from infancy to early adulthood. Sharing the salary, history, schooling, job after, and other necessary things to becom e a pediatrician. To become a pediatrician will take a long time with expenses, but with dedications anything is possible. It plays a big role in aRead MoreStatement of Purpose to Become a Pediatrcian or an Optometrist845 Words   |  3 PagesA Pediatrician and an optometrist are both professions that are needed in order to help people be healthy. Both are a type of doctor and help the general public. The two require a good education and require getting into a school that specializes in their field. When working, they make what is considered a good amount of money. These aspects appeal to me because they are all qualities I can see in my future. But each career has many aspects that differ from each other. A pediatrician specializes in

Approaches and Theories Regarding Industrial Relations

There are many different approaches and theories regarding industrial relations today and each one of them have different perspective and approach in resolving the conflict at work place. In order to understand and be able to analyze what are the good industrial relations, there is a need first to understand how the industrial relations are actually defined and what do they refer to. As explained by Barnetson, Lesson note 1, Introduction, â€Å"it is the relations between the labour and management†. This relations in Canadian capitalist economy includes labor market offer and demands where theâ€Å" workers agrees to provide their time and skills (labour) to the employers in exchange of wages and benefits† (Barnetson, Lesson 1, Employment in Capitalist Economy) in order to support themselves. Rules, procedures and practices are defined which oblige the employer and employee to act accordingly. Another very important point in industrial relation and probably the most frequent source of conflict between the two parties is the wage effort bargaining. â€Å"The wage-effort bargain relates to how hard and productively the employees are going to work, given the terms and conditions of their employment contract† (Lesson 1, The Labour Process and the Wage-Effort Bargain). In other words, the employer wants their employees to be productive and efficient for the least possible wages while employees want the good conditions and maximum wages in order to compensate their efforts. The industrialShow MoreRelatedEssay Employee Relations1425 Words   |  6 Pageshighly respected authors and academic professionals. This will include different perspectives, approaches and definitions of what employee relations is. â€Å"Employee relations is a common title for the industrial relations function within personnel management and is also sometimes used as an alternative label for the academic field of â€Å"industrial relations†. The term underlines the fact that industrial relations is not confined to the study of trade unions but embraces the broad pattern of employee managementRead MoreKarl Marx And Max Weber1003 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction Karl Marx and Max Weber both made tremendous contribution on the development of Sociology. Their studies and theories still have significant meaning for modern sociologists to explore the social world. As Weber are born after Marx about several decades, his theories are influenced by Marx to a great extend so that Weber finds much common ground with Marx. Their conceptions about religion,capitalism, social class and power are in some ways compatible. The aspects of their study areRead MoreHuman Relations Movement1552 Words   |  7 Pagesassignment is the human relations movement and how it eradicated the influence of the classical and scientific management in the industry today. This approach raises some important questions about what are the keys function of the classical-scientific management theory, and the contrast of the worker in the classical-scientific and behavioral management. Some additional points need to be considered such as the Hawthorne studies and also the mos t important aspect covered is the Industrial Revolution thatRead MoreThe Effects Of Mass Communication On A Critical Branch Of Sociological Thought From 20th Century Social Thought1262 Words   |  6 PagesMills identified the emergence of Grand Theory (the term Mills used to mock Talcott Parsons’s work) and Abstracted Empiricism (a comment on Daniel Bell’s work.) Stemming from his close experience with large public opinion survey research, he was dissatisfied with the attempt to induce correlative relations but at the expense of understanding social forces. With an excessive focus on individuals, these aforementioned studies did not consider social relations, real world politics, nor were well-groundedRead MoreChicago School Of Social Ecology Theory1509 Words   |  7 Pages Chicago School of Social Ecology has played its vital role in the development of urban ecology theory as the sociologists and ecologists from aforementioned school such as Robert Park and Earnest Burgess propagated that Central Business District (CBD) impacts urban and downtown planning, urban renewal, urban expansions, housing projects, commercial activities, industrialization, community development and urban ecological system. Next, the Berlin School of Urban Ecology also extended the aforementionedRead MoreEmployee Relations2063 Words   |  9 Pageshighly respected authors and academic professionals. This will include different perspectives, approaches and definitions of â€Å"what employee relations is†. â€Å"Employee relations is a common title for the industrial relations function within personnel management and is also sometimes used as an alternative label for the academic field of â€Å"industrial relations†. The term underlines the fact that industrial relations is not confined to the study of trade unions but embraces the broad pattern of employee managementRead More Human Resource Management Essay example1709 Words   |  7 Pagesthrough the employment relationship and to an extent this is effective. Management has developed HRM approaches to managing the employment relationship however whether this is effective and successful is debatable. HRM represents Human Resource Management which is a â€Å"strategic, integrated and highly distinctive managerial approach to industrial relations† There are many forms of ‘approaches’ used by HRM in managing the employment relationship however there are only two types of HRM; Hard HRMRead MoreThe Great Management Theorists : F. W. Taylor, Max Weber, And Douglas Mcgregor1224 Words   |  5 Pagesfrom Gareth Jones and Jennifer M. George. We begin by discussing commerce prior the industrial revolution and then we define the key management functions, followed by an examination of each theorist, applying a template of analysis and critique. A recently discovered leather daybook dating within the period of 1837-1857 accurately depicts the activities of a small crafts business prior to the arrival of the industrial revolution. This rare finding serves as a window in history detailing a craft maker’sRead MoreInternational Relations : a Distinct Discipline.2975 Words   |  12 Pagesquestion of whether International Relations is a distinct discipline has been a matter of consistent controversy. However, any field of study needs to fulfill certain criteria in order to be classified as a distinct academic discipline. Accordingly, I believe, that International Relations is indeed a ‘Distinct Discipline’ since it has many characteristics of a distinct academic discipline. International Relations can be interpreted by some to be ‘actual relations between states’ but in the academicRead MoreThe Monsters And Their Origin1412 Words   |  6 PagesMonster Stephen T. Asma has given an analysis of the monsters and their origin. Besides, he gives a definition on the fears of human beings regarding the monsters. The prejudices and fears date back to prehistory and the developments in evolution that have occurred throughout in humanity. The prehistory gives an account of the concerns that people have in today s world. The author uses the term monster to describe myths and physical deformities. Stephen Asma uses the term to describe that there

Factors Explanation free essay sample

Learning styleStudents with analytic learning style use contrastive analysis and rule learning, whereas global students use such strategies as guessing, scanning, and predicting (to find the meaning) or paraphrasing and gesturing (when they deal with unknown words). Ko (2001) proved that students with a multiple style and students with a visual/nonverbal style had higher English achievement than students with other style preferences. No significant difference was found among groups with different perceptual style preferences. Kinesthetic/tactile-style learners used significantly more memory-related, compensation, and social strategies than did other style groups. Visual/nonverbal and multiple-style learners used significantly more affective strategies than other style groups.Personality typeAccording to Ehrman and Oxford (1989), there is a relationship between language-learning strategy use and personality type, though it is far from straightforward. Ehrman and Oxford (1990a) came to the conclusion that psychological type appears to have a strong influence on the way learners use language learning strategies. We will write a custom essay sample on Factors Explanation or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page GenderMales do not use as many strategies as females, though males surpassed females in the use of a particular strategy. Ehrman and Oxford (1989) and Oxford and Nyikos (1989) discovered distinct gender differences in strategy use. Politzer (1983) found that female ESL learners employed more social strategies than male learners did. In research on EFL students in China, Sy (1994) concluded that females reported greater use of cognitive, metacognitive, and social strategies than their male counterparts did.Age and L2 stageStudents of different ages and L2 stages use different strategies. Only advanced learners use certain strategies. Attitudes and beliefsLearners with negative attitudes and beliefs are characterized by poor strategy useMotivationLess motivated students tend to use fewer strategies (lack of motivational orientation related to career field). Oxford and Nyikos (1989) proved that motivation is the most influential of the variables affecting strategy choice. Ehrman and Oxford (1989) discovered that career choice had a major effect on reported language learning strategy useCultural backgroundAsian students tend to memorize. Griffiths and Parr (2000) reported that European students use language-learning strategies significantly more frequently than students of other nationalities, especially strategies relating to vocabulary, to reading, to interaction with others.Type of taskThe task nature determines the used strategy

Social Determinants free essay sample

The knowledge of the social determinants of health has gone through a vast amount of changes in perspectives as to how society decides to define health. My experiences and readings thus far have not only expanded my understanding of health, but also the economic and social conditions affecting health. From my own personal experiences, I have seen differences between the socioeconomic classes of individuals and their ability to access healthcare. Due to the fact that I am Vietnamese, I have visited Vietnam numerous times and have seen how individuals have lived a very unhealthy lifestyle such as eating the wrong foods and lack of exercising. Before moving to Canada, my parents lived in Vietnam and described how most individuals who were always outside on the streets were often sick and did not know how to take care of themselves because of their lack of knowledge of health. At first I believed that this was due to the lifestyle choices they made, however, studies have shown that these lifestyle choices do not go far in determining health status in contrast to the impact of the social determinants of health. We will write a custom essay sample on Social Determinants or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page In addition to these studies, when I recently visited Vietnam, I saw that the environment they were living in reflected their income level and health status. According to Raphael (2004), â€Å"socioeconomic status and income status are powerful predictors of health as they serve as indicators of material advantage or disadvantage that accumulate over the lifespan† (75). According to Raphael (2004), â€Å"Health differences among Canadians result primarily from experiences of qualitatively different environments associated with the social determinants of health† (p. 0). Income status is one of the social determinants of health that determines the quality of life associated with working conditions, employment, food security, and education. Usually, when an individual has grown up in a poor environment with inaccessibility to healthcare, their future may already be predetermined for them. In the film â€Å"Unnatural Causes† (California Newsreel, 2008), a woman resid ing in District 5, named Mary Turner lives in a very poor neighbourhood with three teenage daughters and a disabled husband. In addition to these complications, Mary also has health problems of her own that prevent her from working and making money for her family, which results in a very low income. She cannot afford healthy food because they are generally more expensive, and therefore her family eats meals that are unhealthy and inexpensive. In the film, Mary expresses the fact that â€Å"disadvantaged people are unhealthy. † Out of the four neighbourhoods studied in the film, District 5 is the poorest; this reflects the idea that there is an unequal distribution of resources and income among the population. As McQuaig amp; Brooks (2010) explains, â€Å"simply living in an unequal society puts one at greater risk of experiencing a wide range of health problems and social dysfunction† (p. 82). This simply explains that one’s health is directly proportional to their income status and overall, the resources that they do or do not have. The relationship between health and wealth should be explained in relation to the social determinants of health. As this relationship becomes clearer, as does the fact that rich people live longer because they can afford health care in comparison to less wealthy people. References California Newsreel and Vital Pictures (2008). Unnatural Causes. United States: California Newsreel. McQuaid, L. amp; Brooks, N (2010). Why billionaires are bad for your health. In the Trouble with Billionaires. Toronto: Viking Canada, ISBN 9780670064199, pp. 149-169 of 272. Raphael, D. (2004). Introduction to the Social Determinants of Health. In D. Raphael (Ed. ) The Social Determinants of Health: Canadian Perspectives, Toronto: Canadian Scholars’ Press Inc. pp. 1-19 of 435. ISBN 1551302373